Right Treatment. Right Time. Right People.
The spine is a remarkable structure.
It protects the nervous system and is a pillar of support for the head, arms and trunk. It can provide a lifetime of painless stability and flexibility, but 80 percent of all adult Americans experience some form of back pain in their lifetime.
Back pain is the second leading cause of physician visits in the United States. Painful and disabling conditions can result from injury, degeneration, tumors, deformity and disease. Virginia Commonwealth University Spine Center offers a unique resource for individuals grappling with an issue linked to back and neck pain.
The Spine Center brings together physical therapists, non-surgical spine experts, imaging specialists and surgeons in a comprehensive team approach to treating spinal column issues. The fastest growing program in central Virginia, our success is tied to our ability to provide the right treatment, at the right time, with the right people.
When neck and spine problems take a toll on the quality of life, the VCU Spine Center is the right place to turn. Call (804) VA-SPINE
Evaluation
Each person has a unique reason for turning to the Spine Center. Our goal is to identify the source of the problem and devise the most effective treatment plan for the patient to regain maximum function. The highly trained and compassionate staff assists patients through each phase of treatment.
Typically our specialists begin by conducting a spine-focused history and physical exam. Advanced diagnostic imaging and electrodiagnostic studies are performed to understand a patient’s pain, and to examine interconnections from the spine to the pelvis, hips, shoulders and limbs. Patient evaluations usually take place at the Spine Center at Stony Point, conveniently located across from Richmond’s Stony Point Fashion Park at 8700 Stony Point Parkway, Sute 260.VCU Medical Center’s Stony Point facilities were designed around the needs of patients and family members. Care provided in conveniently located settings, including the Stony Point Spine Center, enhance clinical efficiency and effectiveness. Centering care in one location provides patients ready access to specialists, as well as imaging, diagnostics, and therapy services. There is ample free parking at Stony Point too.
Conservative Philosophy
Once the evaluation is complete, our interdisciplinary team makes recommendations on the best course of care.
Typically, spine symptoms will resolve with the appropriate nonoperative approach including physical therapy, pain management, and other modalities. Lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, weight loss, and stress management can make a difference as well. Our aim is to return patients to regular activities quickly without heavy reliance on medications.
If painful symptoms persist despite conservative measures, interventional spine care may be recommended. The goals of interventional spine care are to relieve, reduce or manage disabling symptoms and improve a patient’s overall quality of life using minimally invasive techniques.
At times the best option is surgery. The Spine Center’s philosophy is to recommend minimally invasive procedures when possible. Recent advances allow our surgeons to access the spine through very small incisions. A number of surgical procedures can be done this way, including
- spinal fusion,
- decompression of the nerves, and
- artificial disc replacement.
These less invasive techniques produce minimal muscle, ligament and bone damage. For the patient there is
- less scarring and
- dramatically shortened recovery time.
There are also clinical situations that cannot be treated with minimally invasive techniques. For these cases, our Spine Center surgeons are experienced in the most complex spine procedures.
Minimally invasive procedures are frequently conducted at both the Stony Point Spine Center and at VCU Medical Center’s downtown Richmond campus. More complex surgeries are always performed at VCU Medical Center.
Thanks to the expertise available at the Spine Center, other hospitals and surgeons refer some of their most difficult or unusual cases to us.
Leadership
Experts at the Spine Center are recognized leaders in their fields. Our specialists are published in leading medical journals, and routinely lecture on new developments in spine therapy at national and international conferences.
The Spine Center team is also engaged in research developing the next generation of treatment options. Qualifying patients have an opportunity to enroll in these important clinical trials.
Comprehensive Services
The comprehensive range of therapies and services available through the VCU Spine Center includes the following:
Coordinated Care
Patient care is delivered by a team of interventional and surgical spine care specialists. Nurses, nurse practitioners, and case managers work closely with patients to answer questions and guide them through the process.
Spine Center treats numerous patients with workers’ compensation claims. For more information on obtaining a workers’ compensation evaluation call (804) VA-SPINE.
Our specialists are experienced in treating the full spectrum of back and neck conditions and nerve injuries, including the following:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated disc
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal deformity (scoliosis, kyphosis)
- Trauma including fracture
- Posttraumatic fractures
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis fractures
- Degenerative joint disease
- Chronic spine pain
- Electrodiagnostic Medicine
- Tumors
- Infection
- Pinched nerve
- Sciatica
- Spina bifida
The VCU Spine Center is the fastest-growing program for back and neck problems in central Virginia, and is an important resource for physicians and patients throughout the mid-Atlantic region.
Our success is tied to our ability to provide the right treatment, at the right time, with the right people. When neck and spine problems take a toll on the quality of life, the VCU Spine Center is the right place to turn. Contact us at (804) VA-SPINE, (804) 827-7463.
Directions to the VCU Spine Center at Stony Point Medical Center
8700 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 260, Richmond, VA 23235
Click here for detailed directions
Upon entering the building, go to the second floor to the Spine Center. Please let the receptionist know you’ve arrived.